HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has been named “Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency” by Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) - Southeast Texas Affiliate.

The award was presented to the HCSO on April 8, 2011 during MADD’s 2011 Take the Wheel Law Enforcement Award and Recognition Luncheon held at Downtown Aquarium. It is given to a law enforcement agency that is making a difference by going above and beyond in the areas of education, prevention, policy or enforcement and whose efforts are making an impact in reducing alcohol-related death and injury on Texas' roads.

“This award recognizes the efforts of our deputies who, on a daily basis, work to remove Harris County from the number one spot for alcohol-related fatalities in the United States,” said Sheriff Adrian Garcia. “We thank MADD for the honor, and share it with our partners in the fight against this type of crime.”

Award winners were selected from nominations made by law enforcement agencies, district attorneys and other community agencies that work with MADD.

Founded by a mother who lost her daughter in a crash, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.